Thursday, 13 June 2013

Open letter

Open letter to the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Parliament

Dear Presidents José Manuel Barroso Herman van Rompuy Martin Schulz

We are deeply concerned about the future of Europe.
The ongoing political, social and economic crisis is once again threatening to divide the continent. The failure to effectively handle the crisis has created a great mistrust towards the institutions of the union among its own citizens. Populism and nationalism are on the rise in all members-states and there are in the wake of the crisis strong political voices who openly advocate for the breakup of our union. This is a very dangerous development!

The crisis has also led to the creation of a number of organizations of engaged citizens advocating for a more democratic, stronger and solidary Europe. These organization and individuals are taking different initiatives and are creating forums for debate, information and campaign to strengthen citizens’ participation in building the future Europe of citizens.

We are all very proud of what Europe has accomplished over the last 60 years, but we also see that the intergovernmental system no longer can meet the challenges of modern Europe. This system also has a top down approach which creates a great gap between leaders and citizens. Citizens are looking for alternatives to this tiered system. They seek participation, democracy and accountability. The democratic deficit that chronically afflicts the European Union is no longer tolerated.

The crisis has made it very clear, if we shall save Europe we need to rebuild and reform Europe, not only economically, but also socially and politically. We are standing at a crossroad. The way we are going to choose will affect many generations to come. This is without a doubt the biggest challenge that united Europe have faced.

Europe is moving towards a federation or a breakup. A breakup would most likely move Europe towards a new era of divisions and crises that none of us want to experience or leave as a legacy to our children and grandchildren. An increasing number of citizens see a Federal Europe as the most pragmatic, long term solution for Europe. The question is, shall that federation be based on the foundation of citizens or on nation-states?

This letter reflects the strong conviction of a group of European citizens from many member states and invites you, President José Manuel Barroso, President Herman Van Rompuy and President Martin Schulz to promote a new phase of reform of the European Union towards a democratic federation of citizens.